Roundabout experiment;BrooK Hill

[Rocklegend 10]

Does anyone remember the-crazy-experiment that the council thought up in the early 70's at the roundabout where the university arts tower is? It only lasted a couple of weeks,probably causing chaos as there were loads of little Give Way junctions replacing the roundabout.I have never seen a photo of it in any Sheffield history book.

[PhilipB 10]

Seem to recall that it was a load of mini roundabouts at each of the exit roads.

Resulted in total chaos.

[docmel 10]

Yeh I remember that - I had to negotiate it every day on my way to work - it was bloody weird going round a mini roundabaout and seeing someone coming towards you who was going round another!!

 

I think there is one of these in a major city somewhere and as it has been there some time it must be viewed as a success - I think it's Swindon, but I could be wrong

[mega_monty 10]

I think there is one of these in a major city somewhere and as it has been there some time it must be viewed as a success - I think it's Swindon, but I could be wrong

 

Hemel Hempstead have one of these, quite fun driving around it

[Strix 11]

Apparently it works quite well

http://www.swindonweb.com/life/magicsign.jpg

http://www.sens-giratoire.com/imagesrp/photos_rp/magic_roundabout.gif

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/images/vine/gallery/roundabout3.jpg

http://www.greatroundabouts.freeserve.co.uk/the%20magic%20roundabout%20swindon.jpg

[martss 10]

http://www.hemelweb.demon.co.uk/history.htm

 

Picture of it here.

[martss 10]

But Strix's is better!

 

Imagine that at Brook Hill , 5pm on a Friday!?

[peterw 10]

I think Edinburgh started the mini roundabout craze. I used to have to negotiate two on my way to the Forth Bridge, and that was scary even on a SUNDAY!

[Falls 10]

It was the best show in town at the time: I think 1972 or 73. I worked at

388 Glossop Road and each lunch time, just about everybody from the office went down there to see the fun. Some actually took their lunch with them and had it while the were watching, so the didn't miss any of the action.

 

If I remember correctly, the mini islands were made of old car tyres. Just as well for on Day-One, an old couple came up Netherthorpe Road and wanted to go up Western Bank. The poor guy got half way round and then screwed-up and crashed into an island. Some of our guys had to rush out and move half a dozen tyres so the guy could drive out.

 

I haven't seen the island at Hemel Hemstead but there is a dandy one on the north side of Colchester in Essex. This is actually two regular islands, fairly close together, each with its own set of mini islands. Believe me, its an experience navigating around that in the rush hour.

[Rocklegend 10]

:

It was the best show in town at the time: I think 1972 or 73. I worked at

388 Glossop Road and each lunch time, just about everybody from the office went down there to see the fun. Some actually took their lunch with them and had it while the were watching, so the didn't miss any of the action.

 

If I remember correctly, the mini islands were made of old car tyres. Just as well for on Day-One, an old couple came up Netherthorpe Road and wanted to go up Western Bank. The poor guy got half way round and then screwed-up and crashed into an island. Some of our guys had to rush out and move half a dozen tyres so the guy could drive out.

 

I haven't seen the island at Hemel Hemstead but there is a dandy one on the north side of Colchester in Essex. This is actually two regular islands, fairly close together, each with its own set of mini islands. Believe me, its an experience navigating around that in the rush hour.

Excellent;surprised how many remember it.I think it was even more complicated than the ones in the pictures.Surprised no photos exist of something so 'unusual'.

[biker 10]

Does anyone remember the-crazy-experiment that the council thought up in the early 70's at the roundabout where the university arts tower is? It only lasted a couple of weeks,probably causing chaos as there were loads of little Give Way junctions replacing the roundabout.I have never seen a photo of it in any Sheffield history book.

I was working in the University building and we had a great view of the chaos.We reckoned that the planner had shares in a car repair firm

[Allen 38]

Yes, I remember it.

I thought it was a great idea, and couldn't understand why they abandonded it. I would go out of my way just to have another go at it.